Alpinhotel Berghaus in Tux

The Alpinhotel Berghaus is located at an elevation of 1,400 meters in Tux in the Zillertal, overlooking the Hintertux Glacier. Its history began in 1958 with a milk bar and a farmer who saved a breed of sheep from extinction. Today, the third generation of the Fankhauser family runs the hotel as a hiking lodge with a panoramic pool, a natural swimming pond, and its own farm.

The ram in the coat of arms of Tux

Take a look at the Tux municipal coat of arms. You’ll see a silver ram’s head on a green background. This ram isn’t just any sheep—it’s a Tyrolean Stone Sheep, the oldest sheep breed in the region. Around 1970, it was practically extinct. The fact that the Tyrolean Stone Sheep is now the second-largest sheep breed in Tyrol in terms of numbers (Arche Austria) is thanks to Franz Fankhauser, the farmer from the valley who not only saved the Steinschaf but also, together with his wife Traudl, opened the “Texa’s Milchtrinkstube” in Madseit in 1958. In 1961, it became the “Alte Hütte,” and today it is the Alpinhotel Berghaus—now run by the third generation of the Fankhauser family.

Alpinhotel Berghaus - Hiking in the Zillertal — © Alpinhotel Berghaus

When Dedication Pays Off

From the very beginning, there was a clear division of roles: Traudl, as the hostess, was responsible for everything in the house, and Franz was known as “the man for the valley.” An excellent cook, she took care of the guests’ physical and emotional well-being, while Franz devoted himself to farming and matters outside the farm that benefited the entire valley. Despite opposition from the Chamber of Agriculture at the time and some mountain sheep officials, Franz succeeded in obtaining a permit to breed the Stein sheep. A great deal of hard work, persuasion, and breeding expertise have preserved this ancient breed. As a result, the Steinschaf is immortalized today not only in the Tux coat of arms but also in the Zillertal traditional costume, as the Tux loden is made from the animals’ wool.

More Guests, More Sheep, and a Tunnel

Traudl’s dedication to the inn led to an ever-growing number of guests, and Franz’s passion for farming brought about a comeback for the Steinschaf. This approach—tackling things with joy and passion—had a profound influence on their son Thomas. At just 26 years old, he took over the hotel and channeled the joy of work he had inherited into its expansion.

In 2007, the “Alte Hütte”—as the “Texa’s Michtrinkstube” had been called in the meantime—became the “Alpinhotel Berghaus.”
In 2013, the Berghaus Suites were added.
In 2019, a major renovation took place: many of the old rooms were converted into lifestyle studios, and the property gained a panoramic pool, a natural swimming pond, and a restaurant with a direct view of the imposing Hintertux Glacier.
The latest addition—for now—was the construction of the Green Living Apartments in 2021.

However, the most elaborate project isn’t even visible: it’s the tunnel that connects the hotel’s three buildings underground. “Just like marmots,” laughs the host family. “Basically, we’re located on an alpine pasture—only with a front desk. That’s why the Hintertux Glacier feels close enough to touch when you’re lying in the heated panoramic pool, enjoying the view of the eternal ice.”

The Alpinhotel Berghaus in the Zillertal Valley with a natural swimming pond and sun loungers.

Family portrait of the Fankhauser family, hosts of the Alpinhotel Berghaus

A swimming spot with crystal-clear glacial stream water during a holiday at a Wanderhotel in the Zillertal.

Panoramic indoor pool with a wooden ceiling, modern lighting and large windows in the Alpin Spa at Alpinhotel Berghaus in Tux.

Festively laid table with candles at the Alpinhotel Berghaus in the Zillertal.

Cross-country skier gliding along a sunny trail through a snow-covered forest in the Zillertal Valley.

Two skiers standing with their skis in the snow at sunset in the Zillertal Alps.

Man stand-up paddleboarding on a mountain lake surrounded by green alpine meadows and peaks.

©Alpinhotel Berghaus

Who is Who in the Fankhauser familiy?

Founder of the Texa’s Milchtrinkstube guesthouse and preserver of the Tyrolean stone sheep.

Founder of the Texa’s Milchtrinkstube guesthouse, chef, and passionate host.

Son of Traudl & Franz. He has played a decisive role in shaping the Alpinhotel Berghaus as it is today. He organizes activities and guides guests—as a hiking guide in the summer and a ski guide in the winter.

Ulrike, Thomas’s wife, takes care of everything at the hotel. She runs the front desk. The flowers and decorations throughout the hotel bear her personal touch. She listens and notices everything: the guest who needs something, as well as the flower that’s leaning to one side. She finds a solution to every problem. She is the heart and soul of the hotel.

Markus, Franz’s grandson, is the junior manager. He started out as a chef and then trained to become a bartender and wine sommelier. Today, he serves up great drinks and fosters cozy conversations at the bar in the evenings. Many guests end up staying longer than they planned. He is carrying on into the future what Grandpa Franz and Grandma Traudl once started.

Why We Love This Wanderhotel

The Hintertux Glacier in full view through large panoramic windows
Our own farm: lamb, Black Angus beef, pork and game from our own hunting – honest meat for their guests
The authentic, family-like and warm atmosphere created by the hosts

The Hintertux Glacier is reflected in the water of the panoramic pool at Alpinhotel Berghaus in Tux.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Alpinhotel Berghaus

Where is the Alpinhotel Berghaus located? In Tux in the Zillertal Valley at an elevation of 1,400 meters, overlooking the Hintertux Glacier.

How long has the hotel been in business? The Fankhauser family has been running the hotel since 1958, when it was known as Texa’s Milchtrinkstube. It has been called the Alpinhotel Berghaus since 2007.

Who leads the hikes? Thomas Fankhauser personally guides the guests—as a hiking guide in the summer and on skis in the winter. Alternatively, hiking guide Sepp exclusively accompanies hotel guests on his favorite hikes.